6 dangerous vagina myths you should stop believing now

The sheer number of products aimed at making the vagina cleaner, healthier, and more presentable might seem to imply that the genitals are supposed to have a beauty routine of their own. But the truth is that products and services like vaginal douches, scented sprays, and pubic hair waxing aren't necessary. They can even cause serious harm to your vagina and outer genitals.

"There is no need for your vagina to smell like a garden," gynecologist Donnica Moore, MD previously told INSIDER. It doesn't need to look like a perfectly groomed garden either.

These are some of the most common vaginal hygiene myths you should stop believing now. 

Myth: Douches keep your vaginal pH balanced.

Douches are liquids — typically scented waters — that claim to cleanse inside of the vagina.

Douching is unnecessary because the vagina is self-cleaning, according to the Mayo Clinic. Additionally, douches can lead to serious infections since they can push existing bacteria into the cervix, upsetting the vagina's natural bacterial balance, Moore said.

If you find your vagina smellier than usual, Moore recommends consulting with your gynecologist, as the problem probably requires more than a drugstore product. At the same time, everyone's vagina is supposed to have its own unique odor, so you shouldn't be alarmed if yours has a distinct scent.

Myth: Scented feminine sprays cover up the smell of your vagina and are harmless.

Like douches, feminine sprays are unnecessary for cleaning the vagina, which cleans itself with a slightly acidic vaginal discharge.

Using the products can mess with the balance the vagina is supposed to have, since these sprays contain chemicals that can interact poorly with the healthy bacteria in the vagina, which keep you from getting yeast infections (and other bacterial infections).

The scents in the sprays can also irritate the external skin of the genitalia, Moore said, just like scented products can cause discomfort on the skin in other areas of the body.

Myth: The more expensive the underwear, the better it is for your vaginal health.

When you spend more money on something, it's usually assumed to be better quality. But when it comes to underwear, a higher price tag could actually be a bad thing.

Underwear made of silk and other synthetic materials isn't very breathable and can trap moisture in the crotch area — something that often leads to yeast infections, Millheiser said. "Cotton underwear are preferable as they are more breathable and are better moisture-wicking than other types of underwear," she said.

For the same reason, it's important to remove wet bathing suits and sweaty workout clothes as soon as you can, since leaving them on can trap unwanted moisture and lead to discomfort or infection in your vagina.

Myth: You need to clean your vagina with soap.

The vagina is so good at cleaning itself, soap isn't needed to keep the area in tip-top shape, Moore told INSIDER. "You don't need any special products to cleanse to vagina in any way...unless your doctor tells you otherwise," she said.

That's because, for some people, even a bit of soap can create a vaginal bacteria imbalance and result in infection. Add scented soaps into the picture, and the likelihood of an infection is even greater.

Instead, gently washing the genitals with warm water during your shower or bath is the best way to stay clean down there. Moore said some people may choose to use a mild, unscented soap to clean the pubic hair too, but it's optional.

Myth: Vaginal steaming will help cleanse the area of impurities.

Popularized by Gwenyth Paltrow's website Goop, vaginal steaming is a practice that involves sitting above steaming water to cleanse the vagina and give users "an energetic release," according to Goop's website.

In reality, steaming your vagina could potentially lead to serious burns, gynecologist Mary Jane Minkin, MD, told Women's Health. Additionally, the steam could upset your vagina's natural bacteria production that keeps the vagina healthy and balanced.

"The lactobacilli strains that keep vaginas healthy are very finicky about their environment and raising the temperature with steam ... is likely not beneficial and is potentially harmful," gynecologist Dr. Jen Gunter wrote on her blog. If the steam has any added scents or components, it could also lead to irritation or further vaginal imbalances.

Bottom line: When it comes to caring for your vagina, the simplest option is usually the healthiest.